Top 5 Fiordland National Park Full-Day Tours: A Detailed Look

Alright, so you’re thinking about experiencing Fiordland National Park, is that right? That’s like your looking to enter one of the most gorgeous corners of New Zealand, so good decision. Choosing how to do that, more or less, could be a bit tricky, and you want to get it right. These full-day tours are quite popular, and really for a super cool reason – they pack in a lot without you having to lift a finger. What I’m going to run you through are some choice tours, which could really, perhaps, suit different preferences and give you the most unreal day out there.

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Drive with [Tour Company 1]

Very well, beginning with what may be, arguably, the jewel in Fiordland’s crown: Milford Sound. If you are heading here, that’s to behold this amazing fjord, carved by glaciers and complete with waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, maybe some dolphins, very cool stuff. This tour with [Tour Company 1] often pairs a coach ride, usually through the scenic Milford Road, that, naturally, is an experience itself, with a boat cruise. The coach picks you up early, as a matter of fact from your hotel in Te Anau or Queenstown, so you can just enjoy the scenery.

As I was saying, the coach journey has got to be about the views. Places like Eglinton Valley and the Mirror Lakes – your driver might even pause so you can snap a photo or two, very thoughtful of them. You eventually rock up to Milford Sound ready for a cruise, and honestly, it doesn’t disappoint. Now you have an up close and personal tour of the waterfalls like Stirling Falls, there might be cheeky seals lounging on rocks, even some penguins if you’re lucky; very exciting for families and travelers that are trying to immerse themselves. Lunch on board is very common and quite alright; nothing fancy but usually tasty, basically a hearty buffet is usually involved so you won’t go hungry. Very helpful indeed. Very, very, useful after a morning of adventures and sight seeing. It’s worth looking into, perhaps bringing your own snacks just in case – and for the finicky eaters. That is really the long and short of it, arguably.

Arguably, a highlight would be seeing the Bowen Falls, super majestic and usually thundering, very iconic. It’s very possible, that the cruise goes right under Stirling Falls, very refreshing, prepare to be wet and have your camera lenses dotted. That said, anyway, the running commentary is very knowledgeable; not only is it educational it’s super insightful, anyway, there’s so many layers of historical significance there, or geological information you would perhaps miss. The whole experience does really bring it home to you how magnificent this spot really is. Anyway, you may be sitting there wondering who this trip may appeal to the most. Well in general, Milford Sound appeals to anyone who loves a good landscape; yet it really could suit folk who want convenience. Now someone may say ‘well hold on I wanna be out of the car doing outdoorsy stuff’ That said, you’ll be spending some time on your feet exploring some look out points, in that case, it is worth preparing yourself if you happen to suffer from some form of mobility issues, such as being a person with walking difficulties or wheelchair bound.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Scenic coach ride that is amazing.
• A proper immersive cruise amongst nature.
• Effortless experience because the tour caters to all travel levels.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise with [Tour Company 2]

Now, have you given Doubtful Sound some consideration? Many argue that Doubtful is, somewhat, a more off-the-beaten-path location; just a little less crowded than Milford Sound, is that fair? If tranquility is more your thing, the tour offered by [Tour Company 2] is very likely up your street. I want to stress the word long here; this tour can be quite lengthy, and will also include some form of travel through Lake Manapouri and a coach over Wilmot Pass. So, in other words prepare to sit down. Don’t let the sitting deter you, as a matter of fact it’s all worth it!

Honestly, you’re talking pristine wilderness here, arguably that you wouldn’t experience anywhere else. Just imagine it: waterfalls cascading down, plus some ancient rainforests, all whilst hearing sounds of nature! Pretty majestic right? The cruise on Doubtful Sound is where the magic really happens, anyway. Is it the best choice? Maybe for you to see how wildlife, so in that case keep those peepers peeled so you can look for dolphins, seals, and maybe even some penguins swimming near the vessel. Your running commentary will probably include details about local history along with geological wonders; naturally so, it’s what these places are famous for! As I was saying, that running commentary usually hits you with Maori myths and legends; and the names really stuck with me.

Anyway lunch is part of the deal with [Tour Company 2], typically, a decent buffet option with, more or less, something for everyone. The boats you might find, also provide plenty of viewing spots, the interior might be heated, and in some cases, they could possibly sell tea/coffee. After having your cruise experience, your coach waits so you can drive over the very cool Wilmot Pass – and take a cruise on Lake Manapouri. That said, this leg of the journey can be awesome; however it really could depend on how the weather is. By the time you head back to Te Anau or Queenstown you would more than likely be tuckered out, also absolutely buzzing. So that in effect gives you a taste as to what the wilderness experience provides – and a very good introduction into why Doubtful Sound is such an appealing and magnificent landmark.

Why Choose This Tour?

• A very tranquil and immersive Doubtful Sound experience for sight seeing.
• Travel over both water and through road, as well as various unique terrains to uncover the wonders of the sound.
• The experience of Wilmot Pass, for a look at untouched views.

Fiordland Heli-Hiking Tour with [Tour Company 3]

You like the sound of a helicopter and hiking right? So here is a unique idea, a good match if you’re itching to put in work. With [Tour Company 3], your pretty much looking at a combination of both – a scenic helicopter flight and a proper guided hike into a pristine, completely remote area of Fiordland. Actually, I have to confess I really really like this tour; what really can compete with this experience when seeing the land of the giants.

For the tour you take off by helicopter, anyway, usually in a central pick up area. Right, from that moment on the landscape becomes unreal; from lush greenery to mountain peaks, it truly does make a great intro for the day. The pilot normally flies around various spots – I’m talking hidden lakes, vast rivers, also mountain ranges; now there you have yourself an unreal photo-op for travellers keen on documenting moments. Also on this flight it will land on a pre-agreed trail in the backcountry where your guided hikes begins. These hikes cater to a variety of fitness levels, very considerate. [Tour company 3] could perhaps be well known for having really knowledgeable guides. When your travelling on trails or even taking lunch they will talk to you regarding the history, nature, of that specific locale that you might not be able to Google. Oh, a really good tour, right?

As I was saying this could be a hike for people keen to just absorb a sense of beauty and landscape, as the views, can only be reached on foot and/or by air – a truly amazing tour; you are guaranteed bragging rights in terms of uniqueness. Also this would appeal to photography nuts as well. That said the guides carry hiking gear so just leave it to them if you need help with that kind of thing. Depending on what’s available to view on any given day – depends on trail you could expect to come across wildlife. Very rarely this will impact on your personal safety. So I suggest that this should be factored into a holiday itinerary if fitness and adventure, are two key parts of travelling.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Seeing hard to reach places by air with photo-ops
• Expertly guided hike and the opportunity to explore the diverse landscape with knowledgeable individuals.
• Experience combining both scenic flying, outdoor hiking

Kayak Milford Sound with [Tour Company 4]

Anyway how about something with some action? Well then. How does the concept of taking a guided kayaking tour of Milford sound float with you, sounds fun? Well then with [Tour Company 4] you would take your day at eye-level so you could experience Milford sound very well indeed. You could actually paddle along some parts of the fiord taking in your surrounds in their natural state – from hidden waterfalls, maybe some wildlife, right? The guides are pretty good and know how to handle a paddle! A good and friendly approach towards tourists would generally be what [Tour Company 4] aim to bring to any traveller. This tour tends to usually operate in small groups – also what is nice to have it.

Okay so what would be the itinerary here. Well so very often the tours commence at the harbor – you would usually receive a lesson on how to operate a kayak, as well as some info on safety. So in short be receptive during this time – because it can really add value later in the journey; and help you develop confidence when navigating through any open water – right. Safety is super essential when taking part in these journeys – conditions would depend on what to wear and or any possible cancellations due to weather (such as storms). Now during the voyage itself [Tour Company 4] probably include stops where photo opps are available – your eyes are more than likely going to love the landscape. Now wildlife will also be popping in also at this stop also: your very curious dolphin; or just some chill seals resting somewhere. In fact even a random encounter with a penguin if luck happens to grace you, how cool is that!

This trip can be considered reasonably demanding depending on weather and also the group involved. That said you’ll experience much less tourist traffic which will be better for your ears. I guess to sum up then: the target market would be very outdoor people: a fit person perhaps with some adventure experience, and the mental grit to be outdoors kayaking the waters; on the other hand the tour caters to solo travellers as well because kayak partners would usually form together. By the way all kayak and waterproof jackets are provided during these trips so do factor this into any preparation you might have already thought of. How exciting.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Close encounter kayaking and water level experience of seeing all surrounding scenery
• The guides have knowledge of the surrounding wildlife which gives great insight in addition to landscape.
• Being on water amongst nature rather than through boat will give you an immersive experience

Ultimate Fiordland Experience: Cruise, Kayak & Hike with [Tour Company 5]

If doing just one thing is something you loathe, then well good for you because a combo-tour offered by [Tour Company 5] you can easily combine cruising, kayaking and even short hikes for what can only be called “an amazing look” for Fiordland in all its glory! With the Ultimate Fiordland Experience – so you are basically looking to pack a whole lot of touring, exploration, also general travel into just one whole entire day – wow!

Normally tours could commence in early in the morning so be ready; be at your accommodation so you can begin to kick off on your exploration extravaganza. Now what often will happen so your transfer and driver/guide – if you meet them! – will often provide informative fact-checks so you can better familiarize with locations, scenery along way when on your way to your destination. Often they are equipped with local info of where exactly that you will travel so by any means necessary please extract what information, knowledge so that in future you better enhance Fiordland travels of tomorrow.

This will be usually happen on arrival to the Sound: a scenic cruise that is more than likely what that you’re be able to jump upon on day. From cruising so more often it will be that this you’ll experience wildlife, get close encounters amongst sounds! After the boat trips have subsided kayaking, brief hikes are next activities involved with said combo! You will encounter what nature is while you explore what walking can do, kayaking can do – basically there will be what moments to take photo shot!

Why Choose This Tour?

• Multiple adventures which involve, brief treks as well as various water sports.
• Opportunity that can let anyone get taste and feel all these different adventures/ modes without dedication involved.
• These will give tourists much better ‘Fiordland’ as various facets and landscapes what is involved in national-landmark.